We have hundreds of variations of each of our Parts and are looking to use a base part number and distinguish the variations by Lot. We’d like to be able to configure the Lot number to give a coded description of the variation. Has anyone ever dealt with this? Example: We purchase rebar in many lengths, thicknesses, grades, cuts, and finishes. We do not want to create a new part or revision for each variation as this would create a very messy system. How would you differentiate these parts?
This won’t be a full answer, but it may help.
Lengths should not define a part unless it is never cut and it is only used as the length defined. Honestly, the rest very well could go into the Part level instead of Lots. Parts have better searching and allows you to define more at creation. Lots can collect attributes at creation, but those attributes don’t match what you show here.
From the little you show in this post, I would almost recommend a simplified Part Creation screen that has the user select the lengths, thicknesses, grades, cuts, and finishes and create a new part if needed, otherwise display the current part. You can also create a quick search so you can search by these attributes in many places. Finally, you would add the new attribute fields to the PO Form so the supplier can see what you intend to buy.
The Part Creating screen you’re referring to – is this a custom solution?
So having said what you’ve said you would create a part for every variation of rebar (and every other like part), aside from length? Even if this would mean adding 200 rebar parts to the system?
Yes, it would be a customization, but not too complicated. Personally I feel it would be more manageable than having specialized Lot Numbers.
Have you had any personal experience with this or do you know of a resource that would know more?
Thanks for all your help.
I have helped with the purchasing of metal and we did use Lots to break those into smaller parts. However, that does not seem to fit with your description.
Yes, I’ve done extensive customizations and BPMs surrounding logic like I’ve described. However, I would recommend that a discovery be done to see where all this data will be required and how you would search for the data, when it would be entered, how it affects manufacturing and BOMs, and any other affected module. This will help you, the consultant, and the developer to offer a few solutions to accomplish the goal.
@MeToo2 - I worked for a lumber company for years and we did something very similar by extending the LotBin table with a number of UD fields. Then a quick UI customization on the ‘Create Lot’ windows to include the extra fields. That way, whenever a lot is created all the additional data is entered and follows the Lot# for it’s lifespan.
Then you can add those fields to reports, pack slip lot# subreport, etc. to show the data wherever it’s needed.
From a data point of view, I don’t see how one part with many different lots is cleaner than many parts. I see many disadvantages (purchasing, searching, and the fact that the one part is in fact different parts when used.) IMO if two items are not form, fit, function interchangeable, then they should be defined as different parts.
How would you cost this one part?
@JeffreyHazen -not sure if you me to ask me or Mathew - but I’ll take a quick stab at it. In my case of Lumber, it’s all the same ‘thing’ but just different lengths sorted into bundles. So the part# is one thing that applies to all of these lot#‘s, but each lot is simply sorted into lengths to make the lots different than each other. Example - some customers only want boards that are 10’ or longer, or 8’ and shorter… The cost is applied at the Part level, and applied to each lot using a Part UOM of ‘Board Feet’ (or Linear feet) and the lot has a Qty = to the Board Feet in the bundle. That way each lot can have different quantities of board feet and carry the correct cost at the lot level.
Having the extra details show up in the UI (in certain places) makes finding inventory easy enough to meet customers requirements when necessary.
Thanks Mike. No, my question was rhetorical. In my realm of manufacturing, if the item isn’t form, fit, function 100%, then it’s a different part number, and carries different costs associated with either purchasing or manufacturing differences.
Agreed, that’s where I am now - custom mfg job shop. Everything is different - every time.